Joint Ontario Regional Combine with US Indoor Lacrosse a Wild Success

Preparations for the 2026 competition calendar kicked off during the last weekend of November with over thirty players from Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and the United States taking part in the Ontario (South) Regional Combine in Six Nations.

The Ontario (South) Regional Combine marked the first joint development session between CLL and USIL (US Indoor Lacrosse). “As hard as we compete on the floor against each other, it’s even more important that we create development opportunities for players on both sides of the border,” said CLL President Chris Fox. “Our partnership with US Indoor Lacrosse—and with Australian Box Lacrosse, for that matter—is truly unique in the sport. In my twenty years as a coach and executive, there’s nothing quite like it.”

Regional Combines have been expanded on from previous years. Prior Regional Combines were held on one day. Now, they are held over three days. Starting on Friday night, players checked-in and immediately jumped into a full evening of transition drills and chalk-talks. "Last year we identified that when players came into the championships they struggled with the high tempo transition," said Todd Wilfong, Canada Head Coach for Junior, U18, and U16. "While only small differences, the rules way play with at this level really open up the game."

I just wanted to say that that was the best instruction my son has ever received. Your team of coaches was so knowledgeable and my son said numerous times that he learned so much.
- Jane, U16 Parent

Saturday was broken up into three sessions; Athletic Testing, Individual Drills, and Position Specific Drills. "Events like this are all about progression," said Neil Pike, Canada Assistant Coach for Junior, U18, and U16. "We need to be able to evaluate each player, progress them through the weekend individually, make sure they can work with the group as a whole, and have them leave us better than they were before—we're very happy with the weekend."

[PHOTO: Coach Wilfong breaks play down during intermission of Sunday's scrimmage.]

The Regional Combine culminated on Sunday morning with an exciting full game scrimmage, with teams comprised of Canadian and American players on both rosters. Players put everything they learned during the weekend together over the course of sixty minutes. With several lead changes, Team Red pulled ahead in the last eight minutes of the 4th Quarter to take the win. 

Express Interest

While the remaining Regional Combines are being rescheduled, immediate focus turns to the 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup (COMCUP) in Melbourne, Australia from February 22 - March 5, 2026. The 2026 COMCUP welcomes New Zealand for the first time, rounding out the four teams competing; Australia Green, Australia White, Canada, and New Zealand. Every game of the 2026 COMCUP will be available for fans on YouTube, with additional coverage and highlights from games, player insight, and sightseeing on CLL social media channels.